While on the school board, information was shared with me by another board member.
She claimed the district was keeping the daycare within our buildings to give the appearance of buildings being more populated than they actually are. She also shared, though many repairs are needed in our buildings, there was a long range plan that was suddenly made short. This too was for appearances. If more money was budget for more repairs in the upcoming year rather than five year plan, the district could claim a financial hardship due to unforeseen expenses. All these “appearances” would be for the sake of avoiding a 4% raise to the teachers, which they surely could afford. The tactic would be to cry poor and threaten overcrowding classrooms.
Admittedly, this was hearsay. What do the teachers and community hear and have to say about negotiations and giving our teachers a fair wage and a work environment conducive to educating the children in 131? We have the potential. Do we have the leadership?
306 comments:
1 – 200 of 306 Newer› Newest»One positive development in the recent past is that our district's finances are out in the open for all to see. I remember hearing about "Serial Bully" Radakovich spending thousands of dollars on landscaping at the service center, so it could look like D204's administration building. That could be brushed under the rug back then, but not now! And who could forget the community finding out about the $11,000.00+ hotel bill a few years ago?
You can bet that some of us are keeping an eye on "Accounts Payable" to see exactly how OUR money is spent.
You can't tell by the account payable what is all being spent by the way they show it.
You can find out what checks were written, and to whom.
I'm sure there are still expenditures that are able to be hidden from the public, though. For example, exactly how much of OUR money was paid to adult musicians for last fall's musical at East High, so the under-rehearsed pit could sound decent (an example of "appearances"?)
The teachers' union in this district is notoriously weak, making negotiations very difficult.
Many of our best teachers continue in D131 because of their love for our children, DESPITE the administration. We are extremely fortunate to have such teachers!
And you have teachers teaching here DESPITE the lack of community support.
It's not completely transparent. Where is Clayton's salary documented. Where Is Lisa Morales' salary documented. For that matter, where are most of the people who work at Central Office salaries documented.
These are public employees taking public money for their own pockets. Their salaries should be public record. Why exactly does the district leadership feel it necessary to cover up what they are paying tthese people?
Lets see if anyone in admins gets a raise or promotion before the teachers contract. Wanna bet money on it? Maybe something like happened with Clayton and Deanne could happen again. How will the superintendant, admsins and board be able to say no raise for teachers is something like this was to happen again? Watch upcoming attractions you might just be surprised.
The administrators just received a raise. They got it as soon as negotiations broke down with the teachers. The administration and board cried broke all year during negotiations and when push came to shove and the administrators realized they had to take their raise or lose it forever, they took the money and ran. Not only did they take their raise but it was retroactive. They received a huge check with all their money for the entire year.
Look for more to come yet about new admin positions and people getting a big raise for it. Rumor has it at least 2 are getting it.
How can they say the teachers don't deserve a raise when they gave the superintendent a raise. If he is doing good and the district is better than it means everyone is doing a good job. The superintendent, administration and the board are the ones that pick what the teachers teach so if they aren't doing a good job then that means none of the others are.
It was nice to read in today's Beacon about East High history teacher Wess De Cicco. Yet another example of one of our district's finest educators!
And this week our BandCats are participating in the district Band Boosters' Band Camp. Led by Ms. Amy Huggins, this camp is a proud summer tradition for our students from 6th through 12th grades.
Some great positive news--and beautiful weather, to boot!
I have recently learned that Iliana Rivera is the new student board member,and well there goes another horrible mistake. She was a terrible choice to represent her class. She is one of those students who half-asses everything and is very stuck up. Well, let's see how this turns out.
It's not as though the student board members actually DO anything. They just observe meetings, sit there and look nice.
It's something that looks good on their college applications, plus they can see how a grown-up board meeting operates. And our administration can get some positive publicity by claiming that we're the first in the area to have "student board members".
I here she was Johnson's choice and will work under her Clayton made it happen. Johnson and the Administration want to show how much they care for the kids. It is all smoke and mirrors.
Johnson is helping Clayton restart the Diamonds. She is the girlfriend of a B2M. All the Student members have ties to that group.
You have got to be kidding about how they can observe how a grown-up meeting operates. Children can do much better than this board doew, anyway at least the ones I have attended. The only thing I have seen in this board in at least the last 4 t 5 months is how to stick it to certain members really good. At least in the past the board members were not as transparent! To bad they are not transparent about what they really should be about.
You are right about all the student board members having ties to B2M.
The Board members daughter that just got a big job with the district last name is Montes. This is a .6 that means you only work 60% of the time and do get fully paid benefits unlike the teachers because you are part of admin. With a salary of $60,000 it must pay to vote yes.
I love reading about adults picking on students. It's sooooo mature
How do you know it's adults making some of those comments? Could be their fellow students.
what job did Montes get? a 60,000 a year part time job?
Nice article this morning on page 3 of the Beacon about our Band Camp.
The kids will be marching in the 4th of July parade on Sunday. They always represent our district proudly--thanks to Ms. Huggins, our Band Boosters, and everyone else who supports this wonderful yearly event for our kids!
Thanks Rudy, for your comments and your assistance at camp.
Many students before you have, also, enjoyed camp and continue to return for years after graduation. Same is true for the parents that volunteer. They return for many years after their children have graduated. Band boosters do a great job and make band camp a wonderful experience of great memories. :o)
Here are some recent comments posted on a previous thread, that some people might find interesting:
````````
About the EHS choir position: a new choir director has been selected. It is a woman from outside our district.
June 30, 2010 11:42 AM
Anonymous said...
Nobody has been selected, you're a liar.
July 2, 2010 5:32 PM
Anonymous said...
No, I am NOT lying. I'm a friend and colleague of the woman who has been selected, and she has asked me not to mention her name, so I won't.
But the new EAHS choir director IS a woman, and IS from outside the district.
And when the "official" announcement is made, you will see that I wasn't lying.
July 3, 2010 1:34 PM
They select everyone from outside the District just ask Myra Johnson or Dave Martintez who recently resigned because of choices the administrators at the central office made. I know Marin Gonzalez was involved again with the choir position. She was also on the committee for the other two getting brushed aside.
It is interesting that Stella Montes was hired for a part time administration position at the child service center as a specialist. The position was recently created by the Board for $60,000 per year. Why a .6 it shows they did not need the position. But Roberts had to pay off his yes votes. Roberts gets two yes votes for that favor.
Mean while the teachers have no contract.
Oooooo, what an accurate prediction.
Here's mine:
I predict the new choir director will know how to sing, and live in the state of Illinois.
I predict Montes does not speak English just like her mother.
Better someone who has morons for friends than someone who has high school students for friends (on Facebook).
Her name is Morantes ans she is a Board Members daughter. Just like Salinas who at last count had a wife and a Sister in Law working at the Service Center and at least 3 relatives in maintenance. Just like Farmun who has a Daughter in Law and Grand-Daughter working for the District. Just like Wells who has a Niece working as a aide and herself who received a job with the Hope Wall Coop. What do they all have in common they are a rubber stamp for Roberts. The sad part is they are all people who voted on making or keeping him Superintendent.
You are correct a .6 is a created position. It is rare that happens and only happens when they have large enrollments after school starts. Often times they will approve these in combination to add up to a full position.
Isn't it funny not to long ago that some on the board was stating a certain board member got someone in their family a intership with Linda Chapa-Lavia and that her husband got a job because she was the president and then you here this. I guess laws in this district only applies if you are in the in crowd. No matter the pain it caused this family and I really don't know them but I remember this. Isn't this the reason they changed the terms of the officers of this board? I'm truly sorry for the people I voted for to be on this board. I guess you have to be with the in crowd here and not for the children of this district. I hope you all sleep good at night knowing that you are no better than the rest that caused harm to a family. Remember what goes around comes around. I bet even some of you complain about how some politicians break the law you are no better.
You have all forgotten what a district is for no matter what we have for students and that is the education of the children not for the pockets of some.
I am sure they sleep just fine. This is the most transparent Board District 131 has ever had and they are doing great things for the kids.
As far as Linda Chapa Lablago I am sure the former Board President did not realize she is all about political favor. I am sure her child just got the job because she had been the most qualified.
Now Lablago is your perfect politician running around in the Chicago Suntimes (not the Aurora paper) because someone would challenge her, telling everyone she saved 3 million for the District. Funny when asked everyone involved knows nothing of this survey.
Is this the most transparent board that D131 has ever had? If it was, wouldn't the one(s) who was making trouble for the last president about her daughter working(not true)for LaVia just brought it forth in one of the meetings outright and stated what they thought and also about the husband getting a job(also not true) because of his wife, the then president of D131? No one did this, they just caused trouble and did not have the intergrity to ask outright. Do I think they can sleep at night? Yes, as they are still doing the same thing only one is in the position she was after from the beginning, and got it in a very slick and cunning way. Can't wait to see what this board will pull next. most of this board is as transparent as a see through nightgown still in the box and never worn.
Now for what this day is for:
Hope everyone had a great Fourth of July!
Anyone bother to go to the parade?
Yes, I went to the parade. It was well-attended and the weather was perfect!
And as usual, our Band Camp kids were awesome! A big thanks to:
--Ms. Amy Huggins, who has led Band Camp for the past several years
--The Band Boosters, for organizing and sponsoring it since 1976
--Our high school, middle school, and grade school band directors. They showed real TEAMWORK as they signed kids up, helped to provide and transport instruments, attended the concert & parade to provide moral support for "their" kids.
--The kids themselves and their parents, who freely gave of their time and energy in the middle of their summer break.
Way to go, BandCats! We're SO proud of you!!
Who was it they gave a $22,000.00 raise to that was mentioned about at the meeting tonight? It sure wasn't that board membets daughter? just what has the person done that they deserve this type of raise. Hope the teachers get a decent raise. Just know that the person that got the raise is in administration and believe she is a rather new peson in the job she is doing. Might be one of those that they created a new postition for. What the heck, no one cares anyway until there is no money for something their kid belongs to or about the Magnet Academy, etc.
What a article in today's paper. Jerome Roberts has employees that don't speech English last time I checked we live in the USA. How can the Board tolerate this.
Looks like 6:54 a.m. doesn't have a good command of the English language, either!
And last time I checked, Puerto Rico was part of the United States (and may actually become a state soon). So although our official language is English, it is NOT our only language.
Must be a comment from the worlds worst administrator Marin Gonzalez she does not have control of her brain her trying to teach anything is a joke. By the way she is Puerto Rican.
Where are the minutes for the June 7th School Board meeting?
The minutes from June 21st are posted, and they mention that the June 7th minutes have been approved. So why haven't they been posted online?
Looks like someone at the service center's dropping the ball, as usual!
FYI - English is not the official language in the U.S.. There isn't a declared official language in this country.
Here are some comments under the article in yesterday's Beacon.
broke tax payer wrote:
Why can't they learn to speak English, after all they are in our country, But my oh my we must kiss their rear, that is what East Aurora high or should i say gangland high is known for,,,,,,
7/7/2010 9:49 AM CDT on suburbanchicagonews.com
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sonyac wrote:
I am appalled that our tax dollars have to go to pay for our tax-paid, civic employees learning another language so they can speak to/relay information to/direct their subordinate employees. How about those employees take ESL classes in order to keep their jobs. If the immigrants are so happy to be in America and are trying so hard to put food on the table for their families, how about they try hard to learn the official, national language of our country. There is no way I could move to France and expect everyone to convert to English just because I didn't bother to learn the language. I empathize with providing for your family, but I have no sympathy for those expecting others to bend and bow to them because they don't care enough to change and learn themselves. The parents don't even care enough about this country, their community, their children and their children's future to learn the language of this country. And yet I have to pay so that our tax-paid civic employees can communicate in THEIR language, not ours.
How did that person fill out the job application or in this district they are in Spanish. I would think Roberts would have learned Spanish since he became Superintendent since we have so many ELL it would at least showed he cared about the students to be able to talk to them or doesn't take the time to talk to students?
3:11, the more you tell people to stop posting (in your unique pottymouth style), the more some of us will put stuff on here. And yes, it IS important:
~~~~~~
annee wrote:
Why not put yourself in an immigrant's shoes for a moment and imagine that you couldn't feed yourself or your family in your home country, so you moved to a place where you at least had a chance? I've lived in Aurora for 25+ years, and I've gotten to know hundreds of Mexican immigrants. Almost EVERY immigrant I know personally desperately wants to learn English! I am a volunteer tutor at the Dominican Literacy Center, and I can tell you that we have a long waiting list of women eager to learn to speak, read, and write English.
(The previous poster) may know immigrants who are "too lazy to learn English", but I don't think I've ever met a lazy immigrant. Those I've known personally have been hard-working, faith-filled, loving family people. I feel honored to know them; they are an asset to our community.
~~~~~~~~
emily0123 - While English is not the official language of the United States, it IS the official language of Illinois, since 1969.
Saw this on the district website, posted just this afternoon:
~~~~~~~~~~
POSITION: HIGH SCHOOL DEAN
TERM OF EMPLOYMENT: August, 2010
School year plus 15 days - two weeks before and one week after school
SALARY: Based upon qualifications and experience.
QUALIFICATIONS: Type 75 Administrative Certificate. A minimum of
five years of successful teaching experience.
1. Responsible for discipline of high school students.
2. Assist principal in the operation of the school building.
3. Assists in the supervision of after school events.
4. Works directly with classroom teachers in the creation of classroom management plans where appropriate.
5. Serve as administrative liaison to assigned department(s).
6. Completes reports and other documents as required.
7. All other duties as assigned
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Complete online application at www.d131.org
~~~~~~~~
Is this a new position? If so, where's the money coming from? Or is one of the EHS principals being reassigned to the central office?
It says HIGH SCHOOL DEAN you moron, not principal.
A dean of students is essentially an associate or assistant principal. In many districts the two positions are interchangeable. It's an administrative position which requires a Type 75 Administrative Certificate, the same as a principal's position.
I bet all of you are ugly.
Rumor at the Central office is the Board President Johnson had a cow with Roberts. Rumor is they have had a parting of the ways. One wonders what happened we heard her administrator pals are not to happy she made very negative comments at last Tuesday meeting. Aird & Clayton came back from vacation early and two days of meeting have taken place. Johnson visited today with Augustine, Roberts, and Clayton all parties involved did not look happy. It sounds like a shake up may happen.
Aird cam back early from vacation? She would not get the things done of her that was supposed to be done before she left on vacation last year. She was supposed to have reports done on the Magnet Academy last year and she did not do them. Guess she does what she wants to do when she wants to do them.
There are 4 deans at the high school and 3 assistant principals, and one principal.
A DEAN is not an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - Nice try trying to use some twisted "logic" to cover up your stupidity. The post clearly said DEAN and you asked if an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL was leaving. No, my guess is A DEAN IS LEAVING.
Deans leave all the time, it is typically a one or two year position stepping stone to an Assistant Principal or Principal job in the district or other district.
What negative comments did Johnson make at Tuesday's meeting. As one who was there, I did not catch any. If any was to be made it would have been me about giving that person the $22,000.00 a year raise. It was snuck in the personnel report in a very slick way and we in the audience did not catch it. Such for transparency, huh Lewis? Wonder why Weaver voted no to this committee meetings report. This is why, she was against this person's raise. Hope the teachers get a good raise like this, that raise could have gone toward another teacher, etc.
Ok, so go read the article in the Beacon about the grant money that this district got so their employees can communicate to the Spanish speaking parents. How long have we had this situation in the district and you would think at least the employees that don't know Spanish would try on their own to learn it. Should all the taxpayers in the state have to pay for this from a grant this district can get?
I don't hate people that don't speak English there are many. The problem is that the district enables them not too. If we lived in another country we would be expected to learn the language to survive. If we wanted to live there for any amount of time we would be excepted to follow their laws. Maybe the problem is that it is that this district gets more money if the keep this kind of behavior up and not try to get the community to at least try to act that they live in the United States of America.
I guess it's begun. 1.8 million dollars in repairs just this summer. The next thing you know, the district will be claiming they don't have money to give the teachers a cost of living increase.
From Todays Beacon:
$1.8 million in repairs set for East schools
Comments
July 8, 2010
By STEPHANIE LULAY slulay@stmedianetwork.com
AURORA -- East Aurora schools are receiving $1.8 million in repairs and improvements this summer.
East is spending $1,377,670 on updating boiler and steam piping systems, $304,040 on roofing projects and $70,153 on lighting, according to Finance Director Jay Augustine.
Piping projects will be done at Dieterich, Gates, Johnson and Hermes elementary schools. New roofing will be put on East Aurora High School and Dieterich.
"$1.8 million in renovations (in one year) is very atypical," said operations director Nestor Garcia.
Garcia said the piping system update has been long needed. All the schools have their original piping. The existing building at Dieterich was built in 1950, according to district records.
"These pipes have been repaired before, but we can no longer continue to clamp the pipes," Garcia said.
Garcia said the roofing and piping improvements are funded through a 2004 referendum intended to renovate some older buildings. Roofing projects have already been completed at O'Donnell and Oak Park elementary schools, totaling about $200,000.
The retrofit lighting project, designed to provide lighting that uses less energy, will be completed districtwide this summer. Garcia said 98 percent of the district has been installed with retrofit lighting. The project is funded by grants and the district.
"The turnaround for the lighting is less than a year," said Garcia. "Since we've been doing this for the last three years, we've saved the district close to $800,000."
All of the projects are expected to be done when classes start in August.
Johnson made something negative about the computers. It prompted Roberts to have Aird come back and run the computer meetings. I would like to know what was said because the Central Office is never this active.
Lewis has turned into Roberts & Johnson's dirty dealer. Not being transparent and reading the appointment of Asst Superintendent Glozbach is the tip of the iceberg. Why are all other admin positions read and the person getting the promotion usually gives a speech. Why did Roberts keep it so quite an email was sent out late morning.
You can bet Roberts,Augustine and Johnson got together to talk about screwing the teachers. Johnson has become the force behind Roberts. She has been seen bring him lunch and rumor is they hang out. She visits at least twice a week walks past all the people doing the real work of the District never says hello and heads straight for his office. Sometimes she stays for hours. Afterword he seen singing a happy tune.
Just watch the Urban League contract will be the next thing Johnson pushes past the Board. They will pay the Urban just enough more money to cover Roberts rent. Roberts is back in town and rents for the head of the Urban League.
One thing I like about Ms. Weaver is that she always questions and/or votes against large expenditures of OUR tax dollars.
Two examples of this at the last board meeting:
--as already mentioned, she was against the $22,000 raise for an administrative position
--She (and ONLY she) spoke out against the Board members' staying overnight at the Triple I convention coming up in November. This convention is in Chicago, for heaven's sake! Many people in my neighborhood take the Metra downtown to work EVERY DAY, M-F, and sleep in their own beds every night--yet most of our School Board is eager to spend close to $200 per night of OUR money for unnecessary hotel bills!
I appreciate Ms. Weaver's vigilance and concern for how OUR hard-earned money is spent, especially in today's difficult economy.
I'll shut up when you do, pottymouth!
And I'm not a liar. Go ahead and read the minutes yourself and see what Ms. Weaver said and how she voted. That is, if you're not too lazy.
It is nice to see the district spending more on things they should to help the environment for students and teachers instead of giving the administrators IPhones and trips to Chicago when they could come home at night.
Gonzalez and Truza always want to entertain themselves on the Districts dime. The latest is they are on vacation together. Must be all that hard work getting Gonzalez's daughter a job that made them need a vacation.
Lewis is a joke the one who talked about the check register and just sat there and hide from the taxpayers the fact that the District has $22,000 raises going to the superintendents favored employee.
Wells checked out of the Board 10 years ago and is a joke.
The one to watch is Hull I did speak up against the Urban League and seems to be all about the kids.
The one Roberts needs to watch is Johnson she is all for herself and will put him under the bus in a minute. Her comments on the computers show the fun is only beginning for Roberts. The computers in this District are a mess. Brand new computers and smart Boards bought with grant money that the District has not plugged in because the maintenance department can't seem to get the work done. Chuck Roberts is a pal and Rotary lunch pal of the Jerome Roberts. Members of the tech department never see him. Often times they lack the supplies necessary to even fix the computer.
Here is a prediction and its already started. Johnson and Roberts beherts will lock horns it is predicted. What Johnson will find out is Roberts will go behind her back and get Gonzalez, Truza, Wells to try to clip her wings. He will then try to move Hull or Lewis to his side. Meanwhile Johnson will try to clip Roberts wings when he tries this. I do think Johnson is a bigger weasel. So let the show start.
Roberts and Johnson deserve each other. The one that disappointed the most is Lewis I knew her with the band and she always asked great questions. When she ran for the board I supported her as well as Johnson because they both seemed like they would be honest and look out for the taxpayers. Both have not but I never personally knew Johnson. Lewis however was against big trips on the Districts dime. She even promised to change policy now she leads the charge in running up large trip bills.
She also recently hide the $22,000 increase for a administrator. She had the opportunity to be transparent something she fought for. Just because Roberts shows her a little attention she has become as corrupt as the old Board.
Wouldn't Graza's daughter getting a job with the district a conflict of interest? We all now Truza and Gonzalez's are friends of Roberts and the administration. In fact Gonzalez's drives Roberts around and Truza and Gonzalez are neighbors. Is this a payback from the administrators for all the yes votes and the IPhones?
Wasn't it about six months ago when Johnson, Lewis, Truza and Gonzalez's wanted the Board President removed and used conflict of interest about her daughter and husband benefiting from her being President of the Board? I understand that her daughter paid ten thousand dollars to get her master's degree and the internship was part of it and filled out applications for the internship.
In truth I believe Truza was picked because she was a friend of Gonzalez's and Johnson and Lewis knew she would go along with what they said. You can tell by the board meetings that she always looks at one of them to see how she should vote.
To me a board member's relative that gets a job with the district and is a conflict of interest. In fact if any of them ever took the time to read the Ethic's Act they would see that. In fact why do we have a board at all since most don't take the time to read the board bits or look into the information they get they just think since the administration is bring it before them it must be the right thing to do.
Where did you get the information on Weaver's daughter about paying $10,000.00 for her Masters Degree?This is the funniest thing I have read since this blog began. That crock must be overflowin with all the bull in it.
Did you mean that it cost Mrs. Weaver's duaghter $10,000.00 to go to college to get her Maater's Degree and that the intership was one of the requirements of getting her Master's Degree? When one reads your statement it does not come across like this. The then board president had nothing to do with her daughter being an intern for Linda Chappa LaVia.
Weaver agreed to a one year term and Roberts set her up by lying to the Board and claiming discrimination with his pal Juanita Wells backing him up. Many years ago Roberts and his white wife sued with Operation Push claiming discrimination because his wife could not run her day care business in a upscale neighborhood they moved into. They claimed it was because of being a inter-racial couple. He also had a another problem with the Catholic Church same story. Everyone in education knows this yet d131 was stupid enough to hire him. He was asked to leave many times but his records always show discrimination. When pushed Roberts will play the race card. Like the Magnet school the Board caved and moved to a one year term. Johnson knows this and for political reasons did not want to be caught up in a discrimination case.
Johnson always wanted to be President because it is a stepping stone for another political position when she retires in a couple of years. I have never heard Weaver had any conflict of interest and if she did Roberts would have jumped on it in a minute. What I had heard was Clayton and Roberts got Hull on the Board to put Wells in. Johnson did out smart him by getting Trusa so she would have control. Today it is true in the central office that Roberts is locked into a battle with Johnson. Johnson does make the district to the public look good. That is the same public that never comes to meetings. She claims she does it for the kids but she does it for her image. I a way she makes Roberts toe the line but he is getting upset that he is accountable. One thing for sure Roberts this year is getting his. The wife that sued is now suing him after he put her through law school and Johnson a true dictator is now running him around. Roberts is even stuck living in the same neighborhood that oppresses all his students.
Are you implying that one can get a masters degree for free? I don't think so anyone going to college has to pay for it.
I know at one time at a board meeting Weaver did say something about one year terms but they didn't bite at it at that time and I don't think Roberts had anything to do with it.
This district is a joke and the board is a joke.
I don't believe for a minute that Roberts and Wells set her up for it. It was more like Johnson and Lewis that did it.
They would not have to have a discrimination suit if they would have not negotiated his contract early and just let him go because he did not fulfill his goals that he set for himself.
My daughter got her Master's Degree and it cost her 10,000.00 so I would think that it cost her that much. In what she was doing her Master's degree for it called for her to do an internship to complete it to get experience. I had no idea who Weaver's daughter did her internship with so you must know more than me.
If you read in past postings on the blog it was stated about this subject and how Weaver got these things for her family so don't play stupid with me this is not the first time you have read this blog.
Many people at the Central Office are not happy with Roberts givings his favorite administrator a $22,000 raise while they got nothing. They have been made big promises by Roberts but he has not delivered. Johnson has now decided to look out for herself and is complaining about the administrators. Roberts has been forced out of his office and is making some changes nobody knows what but somethings in the air. Aird did come back early for a big meeting of all administrators. Lets hope well Johnson runs around worrying about her image the kids will benefit. Some of this is due to the test scores going down for a third year and Johnson now blaming it on the computers. It is true most of the time they do not run but the test scores are due to bad administrators and programs. Rumor is someone will get fired before school starts.
What things are you referring to when stating Weaver got those things for her family. Her daughter got the internship for herself and if you are referring to her husband. he did not get a job due to her being president. He got a job with Cipher and to best of my knowledge they have nothing to do with D131.
While we're discussing masters' degrees, how much do doctoral degrees cost?
Specifically, how much of OUR money did it cost for bully administrator "Ms. Marin Gonzalez" to become bully administrator "Dr. Marin Gonzalez"?
What administrator got a 12,000 raise? I see it on the blog but no name was mentioned? Does anyone know who this administrator is?
Nobody, it's all lies and stupidity.
It's a $22,000 raise. Check the minutes to find out who it is.
The administrator is Joan Glotzbach and it is a $22,000.00 raise a year. Yes, in one year, They did not do it in progreasion in say 3 years, as I am sure will be done in the teacher's contracr, but in one lump sum. Weaver is the only one who voted no.Lewis did a good job of sneaking this one in. If anyone was at the mmeting they would understand this statement. So much for transparency. I also am one who voted for Johnson and Lewis due to the fact they said they would be transparent and would not stay overnight in Chicago and a few more reasons. So far, they have disappointed me royally. The only thing they have been transparent on is squeezing Weaver out of the president postition, using at least 2 board members as puppets and wanting the lime light. Johnson thinks she can control Roberts's, but I am afraid the last laugh will be on her. I would bet money on the fact she did not expect that article to be in the paper on what Roberts had say about a non-English speaking employee and the questions that arises from that statement such as is that person even a citizen for have proper papers to be working here and there are many more questions that come to mind. I cannot wait for the next episode of "As the World Turns in D.131".
Joan Glotzbach is actually one of our better administrators (I knew her from Cowherd, and she was always reasonable and fair--definitely not one of the "bully" types we seem to have in this district!)
But even for a good administrator it's hard to justify a $22,000 lump-sum raise, in this economy. I'm glad Ms. Weaver had the guts to vote "no".
Roberts gave Gonzalez's daughter a position without Johnson or the Board's knowledge. You can bet her friend and next door neighbor Trusa knew about it. Now Johnson started bad mouthing Roberts and his staff. Johnson started on the issue of Technology which has upset Wells and Gonzalez because they are on a committee that did not meet in a year. Rumor in the Service Center is the two had a parting of the ways. Johnson also let the book funds get out of hand because her pal Roberts decided to spend it on Glotzbach.
Lewis continues to flip flop and Johnson is now in the same position Weaver has in. Roberts goes behind her back and makes deals with the other members. I for one am happy to see the change because it will be interesting to see how she handles it.
I doubt Bob Green thinks Joan Glotsbach is reasonable and fair. In the incident with the student that has led to the district trying to terminate him, Joan Glotbach was at Cowherd within 20 minutes with the paperwork already filled out on him. She did not even listen to his side of the story before having him removed from the building.
A person who is reasonable and fair would at least give the appearance of listening to both sides before making a decision. Can you imagine a judge who only allowed the prosecution to speak and then rendered a verdict of GUILTY?
I've checked the past few board minutes and did not see where Joan received a raise. Which minutes are they a part of? Which date?
If it's true and I'm guessing it probably is with this district, that's just over a 20% raise she is receiving.
You will not see it in any minutes of the board it was hidden in the personal report and you had to be at the board meeting to hear it. So much for transparency in the district. You would probably be surprised at what they sneak past the taxpayers in this district by voting the way they do with the committees.
Also, the minutes from the last meeting has not been posted yet as they have to be voted on and approved at the next meeting. Then they will be posted.
Is anyone surprised by a 20% increase in salary for an administrator in this district? If so, here is something to chew on. Marin Gonzalez salary increases are listed below.
Current: $140,612
2009: $130,836
2008: $126,880
2007: $122,000
2006: $117,000
2005: $105,000
2004: $ 90,346
2003: $ 70,161
2002: $ 63,500
2001: $ 54,912
2000: $ 52,000
1999: $ 44,399
For those not keeping track Marin is now making 316% more now than she was in 1999. She's doing alot better than the average 4% the administration are trying to screw the teachers out of.
Well, your numbers are little twisted because in 1999 she was a teacher, then became an assistant principal, then principal, and now Assistant Superintendent.
Now, whether or not you like her is not the point. She has got up the chain of command so to speak, received higher levels of education, and as that happens, you get paid more.
Yes, now begin the comments that she is stupid, and her doctrinal degree is bs, blah blah blah.
Johnson is one of them who worked put Weaver in the position she was in when she was president. Johnson still can do things, Weaver just became a person sitting at the board table as the rest of the board would no longer let her do anything and I mean nada. I agree with the other posting about waiting for the next episode of this soap opera.
Maybe Glotzbach got that reise for doing Roberts bidding and firing Green? I have a feeling this district will end up paying out of the wazoo for this fiasco.
I've never heard anyone state that Marin is stupid or that a doctoral degree is BS. I have heard and from many sources about what a bitch she is. She is the first person who'll stab you in the back both for her own pleasure and to climb the ladder. She can't be trusted.
Marin is a public employee doing a job for the community and the children, just like everyone else in the district. Why do certain employees feel as though they deserve 316% more than others who are also doing a full time job for the the community and it's children? I understand that if your position requires more hours you should be compensated. Marin is not working three times the number of hours she was ten years ago.
This is not private enterprise where you put your own money on the line and deserve to earn or lose depending on your abilities and hard work. This is a public institution, paid for by the community. Every employee is doing a job for the community and no one is worth 3,4 or 5 times another employee.
It is rumored Roberts had called his own executive session that started the fighting between Roberts and Johnson. Johnson then made Roberts look bad at the meeting by blasting Rotary buddy Chuck Roberts. Johnson is now in the same spot Weaver was in. Roberts is the kind of person that never wants to be questioned. He feels he is superior to everyone else. The problem with that is Johnson feels the same way. Unless someone gives in expect to see this bickering continue.
Lewis is now doing Roberts bidding for him just like Johnson used to.
I wonder how she feels that the shoe is on the other foot.
On another note if you are reading Johnson, Roberts is running around telling everyone how his new I Pad is so great and it great for his blindness. How is it Roberts got this and the kids don't have working computers.
To show the ends Roberts will goto.
On the June 7th agenda Brazen was hired as a full time CSC School Psychologist at $46,000 per year. Morantes was hired to work .6 part time same position on May 3rd for $54,172. Trusa and Gonzalez voted on it. Morantes is Gonzalez's daughter and gets more money for working less hours. Must be nice pay for all her mothers yes votes is Glotzbach really doing her job allowing wage discrimination.
It funny that these positions only went through Personal and Policy. Again buried on the report. Guess who is on that committee Lewis, Trusa and Wells. To what degree will Roberts go.
Its rumored Lewis's daughter transferred to Northern to get her Teaching certificate and is now promised a job by Roberts.
How is it they have IPods and 20 year old text books. This is why for many years people didn't want to pass a referendum because the money wasn't for the students it's for the others.
Mark my words: Dr. Marin Gonzalez is expecting to be the next superintendent of our district.
She is probably counting on people to forget her long record of nastiness (not only the band director mess, but many others over the years). She would be a DISASTER as a superintendent.
Fortunately, there are lots of us who will keep reminding the public exactly who she is: a vindictive bully.
Oh shut up. You're an idiot.
Roberts does not have to leave until 2014.
Rumor is Roberts is heading for a disability claim and will collect 75% of his contract he will someday be fully blind and no longer drives at night. In recent months he needed special glasses they look much like ski glasses. The staff drives him most days. Recently his office was set up to help him function day to day. So I am sure Marin is counting the days.
Well, some of us are counting the days until she's GONE.
She's got about the same chances of being superintendent as Ms. Wells has of being School Board president: slim, fat, or none--take your pick.
Since he did not let his disability be known, he should not get as much as stated.
It really is lucrative being an administrator in this district, here are just a few examples:
Jerome Roberts:
Current: $215,833
2009: $205,634
2008: $193,996
2007: $191,417
2006: $126,000
2005: $100,000
105% Increase over just 5 years
Christie Aird:
Current: $140,462
2009: $130,686
2008: $126,880
2007: $122,000
2006: $106,761
2005: $101,677
2004: $ 96,835
2003: $ 90,500
2002: $ 78,500
2001: $ 65,058
2000: $ 61,608
1999: $ 58,341
140% Raise
Jay Augustine:
Current: $153,852
2009: $144,009
2008: $142,792
2007: $137,500
2006: $131,200
2005: $110,200
40% Increase over just 5 years
Salary earned prior to working for District 131 was $87,552 working in Oak Park, Illinois. 75% increase over his previous district salary.
Valerie Gudgeon:
Current: $127,737
2009: $118,067
2008: $115,752
2007: $111,300
2006: $106,000
20% Increase over just 4 years
2005: $ 68,795 working for Niles Township. 89% increase over what she made at Niles Township.
Joan Glotzbach:
Current salary posted on district web site: $109,518 not including $22,000 raise discussed currently. With current $22,000 raise $131,518
2008: $110,418
2007: $106,171
2006: $101,115
2005: $ 94,500
2004: $ 90,000
2003: $ 68,646
2002: $ 61,438
2001: $ 56,180
2000: $ No Salary Listed
1999: $ No Salary Listed
134% Raise over 9 years.
I am simply posting these administrators salaries for all to see. I am sure someone (District 131 administrators)will come on here and say the figures lie or don't tell the truth but numbers don't lie. These are the administrator salaries and increases.
These same administrators are doing everything in their power to deny the teachers of this district a simple 4% cost of living increase. Does anyone wonder why they have the reputation of being completely corrupt?
Wow, who has Marin been blowing to get a 316% increase? Her salary has grown a lot faster than any of the others.
I mean, as ridiculous as all the raises that our administrators have been receiving, Marin's raises have been more than twice as much as everyone elses.
Who approves all of this and why?
Now I see why Clem Mejia (the former Kane County Regional Office of Education Superintendent) had such a problem with the administrative salaries and increases in this district.
He must have felt very strongly about how out of line the administrator salaries were to speak out about it publicly.
I just don't understand why the Regional and State offices don't exercise more control over this districts administrators.
The true crime is Stella Gonzalez's daughter being paid more for working part-time that a person who holds the position working full time. This needs to be investigated. I understand other than Gonzalez and probably Trusa the rest of the Board knew nothing. This was a back room deal by Roberts. Glotzbach was in on it.
It be well worth him claiming disability because the insurance company would have pay.
Johnson may be think she is smart but because he can grant favors he is one step ahead.
He is counting on her or other Board members not lodging a complaint against one of their own. I think Johnson has it in her if he keeps undermining her. Whether she does or not time will tell. Watch the next chapter. As the Board turns.
I do predict teachers contract talks will start up again close to the start of school and if Roberts tries to short change them they will end up on strike.
It's soooo funny how you think only "administrators" oppose your stupid blog.
I'm not an administrator - I think you are all too stupid to fix anything.
I'm not an administrator, either.
Or maybe I am, who knows?
7:50 must be a pig.
"Sooooo"--eeee.
And 8:00 must be a stupid retard who does not know how to construct a joke
Who needs to construct jokes? They're already right here, in our district.
You can find plenty of them in the central office.
They walk. They talk.
They collect big fat paychecks.
Some of them even oink.
"Sooooo-E-A"
Making jokes for "excellence".
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Isn't it funny that one of the poorist of district can give out those kind of rasies when most districts are having to cut back this year?
Stella's daughter has been REHIRED as a school psychologist at the CSC several years after she left that same exact position for more money in another district. 131 trained her as a school psych intern with full teacher pay and hired her after she finished her internship. She worked in 131 for several years before now. She was released where she went for more money, got cut, and then sucked up and re-applied in 131 where momma is now on the board. What a travesty. Left 131 for more money after we trained her at full pay, hired her at full pay, and then comes back to 131 after momma gets on the school board and with a big raise for a .6 position. Her English is almost as difficult to understand as her mother's!
Go figure Kendall County Coop terminated her in the middle of the year. This is the same Kendall County that Debra Roberts late wife of Jerome ran and benefits from the foundation that Jerome runs called the Debra Roberts foundation. Rumor is Stella's daughter needed a job when Stella was teaching Roberts to speak Spanish. He helped with that job she lost it now she is back.
This foundation is for Kendall County alone amazing he would help another District after collecting his check from d131.
Roberts has screwed this District for years it only gets worst.
Why would Gonzalez's daughter make more than the other person who is a full time psychologist. She only will be working .6 for more money. She is violating ethics because her friend Trusa and herself voted on it. Why was this position even created I see Personal & Policy created it but Finance never approved it. Augustine is a straight arrow so that is interesting. Why is the ever transparent Lewis Personal & Policy chair not questioning this.
Why is the Board President not questioning this because Gonzalez voted for Johnson and got rid of Weaver
Lewis and Johnson should now realize Roberts used them and he is not who he claims to be. They should look into why Roberts did not follow procedure on Gonzalez's daughter.
Regarding Glotzbach. I agree she was good & fair as principal, but admin. has gone to her head. Oh, and noone mentioned that she got a big raise, as well as another administrator to help her run the hr department! Nice to lessen the workload and get a raise for doing it!
After the big raise Glotzbach and Roberts are missing in action.
I'm an East student considering a transfer to West. I don't think the changes going on in the district now will affect me, seeing I'm not planning on being held back until we receive the better teachers and admins. Is West really better though?
Student:
You cannot transfer schools on a whim. If your parents chose to move or pay for you to go elsewhere and your education is an important factor in choosing a new home, the links on this blog on the bottom right of the page can be a start to educating them about different school districts. School Report cards can tell you much about a school but not everything.
I feel we have excellent teachers in East Aurora, but our programs for children who excell are not there.
Good luck!
Glotzback doesnt have to be there after her raise, remember they hired someone to help her. Now that person can do glotzbacks job!
I would have to ask this student what kind of student they are. This district does have problems but many children have got a good education from here because they did their part and studied and came to school everyday. I think that posting is from someone else not a student.
I don't see in any agenda about the hiring of Morantes. Johnson likes to state that the district is transparent but it doesn't look like it when a board members daughter gets hired part time for more than a full time person. I think this is called a Conflict of interest. I can't find the vote either so if Gonzales or Truza voted that should be voided. I guess the conflict of interest in stating someone on the board used that position to get family members jobs but it doesn't if you are in their club. What else is Johnson keeping from everyone? This board needs to learn how a board is suppose to act and one thing is they are not supppose to be in the day to day business of the district. Nor should a board member drive a superintendent around.
That would be the May 3rd report Lewis read the motion Trusa made the motion and Gonzalez seconded her own daughters nomination. I am not sure how Johnson was involved. My problem is Lewis she was on the District band committee she knew first hand who these people are. She had problems with Roberts and the check register. She ran saying she was all about transparent and now she sits on personal and policy and approves a .6 school psych. Lets not forget her changing the policy for travel and being the first one to have a big dinner with Roberts. She now likes to also stay at downtown hotels.
Recently the District posted a calender of events and there was Clayton pushing her favorite charity Chris's Walk. We have other fine charities but the District pushes this one.
Rumor is Roberts has become a political liability for Johnson. Her friend Chapa is no longer her friend and others are lining up. Johnson tries very hard to make the District look good. Does she believe it no. She only cares about herself and I think she is learning she can not win in d131.
Come watch next week we will see if the fight continues. As the world turns at d131
Here is where Johnson is involved. She is the President of the board and should know that a family member should not even vote on that but should not be one to second the motion. I don't believe any of these people know what the Ethics Act is and they should since they sit on the board. The most blame goes on Lewis, Truza and Gonzalez. You people have Lawyers you should take the time to talk to them about that. So much for transparency and making the district look good it's just to bad no one cares.
Today, I joined the Aurora Legion Band along with Rudy. It was amazing! They do a lot of sight-reading and pick great music! I was lucky enough to play one of the songs we played in our own band program last year (the hardest one in the program so far). I felt like I was leading the song. The feelings are great, I'm glad to be part of this.
How do we know Lewis and Johnson knew that this is Gonzalez's daughter. She does not have the same last name. This could be Roberts he always has pets. Gonzalez was a pet and had worked for him at the High School. Then he encouraged her to run for the Board. She had a consulting job with the District before she ran. She did give up that job and always complains to whoever will listen now she is forced to travel. So now her unemployable daughter is back. Remember it was Anne overpaid Benevides another Radkovich serial bully that gave Gonzalez's daughter her first job.
Gonzalez's daughter was always paid teacher wages well a aide to get her degree. Upon the District doing that she left for bigger money. Like mother like daughter Gonzalez is one of those teachers that should have never received tenure. Guess who gave her tenure our own Jerome Roberts. Roberts back in the days he was at the High School promoted a teacher that could not speak English. Just like daughter. Some people hang around the District and get fat others get stuck at our same spots doing the work for the kids. Remember folks that is what it is all about.
I for one hope Johnson sees the light. For what I see she is cut from the same cloth but does not see Roberts as a winner any longer. Rumor is Central office is filled with tension as Jerome's staff gets abused by Johnson again this week. Jerome is off so Johnson is off acting like Superintendent. I am sure he does not like that. As the world turns at d131.
Lewis, Johnson, Gonzales and Truza all hang out with each other. They go out to lunch and they all have been to Johnson house. In fact when Johnson got the Board President all of them went back and hugged her mother so you can bet they knew who Gonzaleses daughter was. I'm sure Roberts knew to since Gonzales drives him around and they have been friends for some time. So even if the board members didn't know the superintendent knew and he is their only employee and he just made a fool of him. Also, if Gonazles didn't know that she should of not second the motion then she shouldn't be sitting on this board.
Mauricio, good for you for joining the Aurora Legion Band! You and Rudy are to be commended for taking the initiative to participate in a community performing arts organization. You will benefit both socially and musically as you interact with musicians of all ages.
As I'm sure you realize, music transcends different cultural, economic, gender, and age categories.
You're well on your way to becoming a well-rounded, productive member of society.
Good job, guys :)
Johnson and Roberts go to all events together lately by themselves. Don't believe for a minute they don't support each other. They are often seen after Board meetings waiting until everyone has gone to go grab dinner together. He can't drive at night so it is Johnson who drives him.
Everyone may ride Johnson & Lewis but they are visitors of many of our schools. If they are friends who cares. They have made the Board more transparent. I as a employee recently filled out a survey are thoughts never became reflected in the Districts goals. I also feel Weaver is often overlooked she does keep the central office on their toes.
The problem is it is not there job as a board to visit the schools it is the administrators job to let them know. Take the time to read about the responsibilities of the board. I'm not say it isn't good they do that it isn't there job and if they say one wrong word to someone and it gets back they and the board can get into trouble. Weaver has seem most of the school since she went to the schools in the district and her children went to them.
When board members knowing vote on their own families acceptance of a position in the district is wrong.
The word is "THEIR" job not THERE job. Damn you're stupid.
Lewis and Johnson might visit schools but they are not for the teachers. Wait until the teacher contract comes up word is they do not want to give the teachers a good contract while they are pumping up administrators salaries.
Lewis is a factory manager and Johnson is a self employed factory manager. Do you really think they have any idea what being a union employee is about?
Isn't Lewis' husband a member of the electricians' union?
Just checking if someone was watching spelling and good for you you caught that mistake.
I remember some time back when the board was voting on the secretaries contract Johnson said if Salinas voted on it that would be a conflict of interest but she doesn't say anything when Gonzales seconds the vote on her own daughter what is up with that? I guess if you are her friend then things like this is alright.
Johnson is a accountant who has her own food factory. You can bet her employees are non union and probably illegal. She is the Board person who is working on the teachers contract. You can bet her and Roberts already got the admin's down for 6% which is the max they can get. That is why Glotzbach got her promotion so she can then get another 6%. Don't kid yourself her career path followed many union busting deals her industry that she brags she worked a lifetime in are not union friendly
I read the agenda she got her Urban League contract up you can bet she gave them what they asked for. After-all she would not want her buddy Roberts out on the street. Rumor is he rents from the Urban League good thing he does not have to make a motion. Also Jerome is on vacation so no Board meeting for him. Funny our Superintendent does care about the budget. I guess it makes good reading for Johnson when she has to read it to him because he is to blind.
Wow has anybody checked out the District budget. They ended the year making 5 million and next year 6 million. They have 68 million in the bank must be great to be the poorest school District well other neighboring School District fight to survive. I wonder how Johnson will tell the teachers the District has no money for raises. I for one would like to hear what she got to say.
You can be sure Jerome's rent is in the Contract the Board will be voting on. See poor Jerome is forced now to live with the residents he keeps in down because he does not educate them. Well Mel his soon to be ex lives in his $700,000 home in Shorewood. Blind and living in d131 poor Jerome see everyone every dog has their day.
To the person that said the other was stupid, I think you really did not pass the test catching all that was wrong in that little test. Therefore you do not get an A on the quiz. See if you can find the rest of the mistakes.
The Board should go to the schools and conferences that is part of professional development. That is part of knowing what the schools need and making informed decisions. The problem with Boards past is they did not do that. The Board should also act as a role model to the students. Lewis actually tutors kids. Johnson has been to the school many times and talks with the different teams. Hull is a youth minister and a coach.
As far as Gonzalez her daughter is bilingual and is probably very qualified. Her mother should have abstained. Everybody should police themselves. I see action out of this board for the first time in my eight years as a employee. I say give them a chance. Last year they attempted to cut programs they knew nothing of. I say bravo that they learned from their mistakes. I say bravo that some of them took the time out to visit us and learn. Is that not what school is all about.
The money this district has in the bank is borrowed!
Roberts and the Board allow the spending and raises for those in the central office, so administrations pensions will be comfy. They will cry poor to the teachers & their contract.
In a few years you will see a turn around and the blame go to the unions greed on the reason our district will sink in a hole deeper than any of those in the surrounding communities have seen.
The union leaders (friends of Roberts) will be retired.
131 may be doing better financially than other districts-right now- because others have not put their childrens future education up for collateral.
Our district has worked hard at obtaining all the free dollars they can find, even if it means creating the numbers to qualify.
Free money plus borrowed money are all temporary ways of funding.
When the free is gone and the bills come due, you can bet many of the key players at the central office will be gone. Who do you think will be left holding that empty bag?
Wrong
Lies
Stupid
Dear Stupid,
I don't lie,
signed,
Wrong
It is the superintents job to let the board know what is going on. That is what he was hired for. Read what a boards responsibility is. The board should go to conferences about board responsiblities and what is expected of them. These board members are not paid for their time. It is admirable that Lewis is tutoring children as others do. It is not Johnson's duty to talk to different people in the schools, it is Roberts and his administrators, then it is Roberts job to get back to the board about what is going on. The board is not being to transparent at this point about stabbing some board members in the back. Actually at this point I would not be surprised if Johnson in not trying to become Weaver's friend and ally again. She has an agenda that is for sure, but also so does Lewis who has lost all creditiblity to many, many people. I hope they read this blog and I believe they do. Yes, Gonzlaes should have excused herself from voting on her daughter, and Johnson as president should have pointed this out. Johnson sure did when Salinas was on the board and the contract was up for secretaries and he did not vote for that contract. I truly think Turza should have excused herself from voting also, due to how close she is to Gonzales and how is was a done deal she got on the board.
Then that should be true of Weaver when Farnum's grandchild was hired and she was Board President. Or Mccue and Farnum when his daughter became school nurse or Farnum's daughter in law was hired. Lets not forget Salinas and Wells. Gonzalez's daughter was a rehire and had experience in our district in that position.
As far as visiting the schools Board members should before cutting programs Weaver lost the support of her Board because she did not do that. I for one lived through the Magnet school drama that upset many parents two weeks before school only to find out Weaver never visited a Magnet school.
If Johnson and Lewis want to spend their personal time working with the students then great that is their business.
If a liar is wrong, he/she might be telling the truth.
By accident, or on purpose--who cares?
As long as facts can be checked, it's a great idea to keep challenging what's said online.
Board members do not as a rule visit schools or programs and if they do it is only when a first day situation is. The Board should get information how the program is doing and should be updated at least every three months that is what my district does and most others.
As far as Weaver not saying anything about when Farum or the other board members family members being hired I don't believe she was on the board for all of them and I will have to look at older minute meetings. I don't care if the person worked at the district before the mother should never have seconded that motion and I'm not sure Weaver knew that was Gonzales daughter. Also, I believe that it was Weaver awhile back that suggested the board members take a look at the schools and they did and I bet she saw where the Magnet Program was.
Yes, what ever the board members want to do on their own time is great as long as they don't do it as a board member but as a citizen.
Again it is well known that Lewis, Johnson, Gonzales and Truza go out to lunch and visit each other so they all knew who Stella's daugther was and any of them that really looked into the OMA should know that a person on a board should not vote for a family member. With all these trips that they take they should take a class on that.
Weaver was Board President when Carol's grand daughter was hired last year. I bet the Board did not know her name as well.How are you so sure Johnson and Lewis knew. Did you ask them and if you are so concerned may be sign up and speak at tomorrows meeting.
Why should a board member visit anywhere? It is the superintendantents job and who is under him to keep the board informed. Weaver kept asking for the reports on the Magnet Academy that was supposed to giben to the board every three months. Aird did not nor did anyone else that was supposed to give the reports turn any in to the board. Aird went on vacation last year instead of handing in the reports she knew that was due and her responsibilty to hand them in before she went on vacation. Don't blame Weaver for what was not done. Many of us have been going to meetings off and on before this Magnet Academy was snuck in behind the boards back. I am not suggesting anything is wrong with it, just how it came about being. Roberts, Gonzales and everyone else invovled in it should be ashamed of themselves for how it was done, Oh, they are never ashamed of themselves for all the underhanded things they do, as they keep doing them. For all of them that can see, I bet their mirror breaks when they look into them. What makes anyone think people will speak before the board when they get such a thrill putting their 2 cents on this blog.
The Public Schools belong to the people. The people govern the schools under rights guaranteed to them under the Constitution and statutes of the State of Illinois. The people select a school board to represent them.
The School Board of East Aurora School District 131 is responsible for public education, grades K through 12.The Public Schools belong to the people. The people govern the schools under rights guaranteed to them under the Constitution and statutes of the State of Illinois. The people select a school board to represent them.
The School Board of East Aurora School District 131 is responsible for public education, grades K through 12. Complete and final control of all matters pertaining to the educational system is vested in the Board.
The East Aurora Board of Education meets on the first and third Mondays at 7:00 p.m. at the School Service Center located at 417 Fifth Street.
2009-2010 Board Meetings
2009 - 2010 Committee Meetings
Email the Board
The East Aurora Board of Education meets on the first and third Mondays at 7:00 p.m. at the School Service Center located at 417 Fifth Street.
2009-2010 Board Meetings
2009 - 2010 Committee Meetings
Email the Board
If the bottom posted is true then why is it that the administration can cut programs, not give the board the information they need to vote on things like the Magnet School and other programs without the consent of the board.
The Public Schools belong to the people. The people govern the schools under rights guaranteed to them under the Constitution and statutes of the State of Illinois. The people select a school board to represent them.
The School Board of East Aurora School District 131 is responsible for public education, grades K through 12. Complete and final control of all matters pertaining to the educational system is vested in the Board.
To 7/19 @ 9:21pm
I don't understand the point in your posting. What is your question or what are you trying to point out? What bottom post were you referring to? Yours was the bottom post just now when I read it. Not trying to give you a hard time, but could you be a little more specific? Thanks
Amazing! Lets get a few facts streight:
1. Has it ever occured to anyone that Gonzalez's daughter's salary is .6 of $54,000, as it will be the hours worked. This translates to $32,000 a year. The position she applied, interviewed for and was later offered was not created for her, it is a position that had been approved, along with others, to actually improve and provide services for our little guys, those not yet in school, instead of relying on West Aurora to make decisions for our district. She was offered the job based on her merits, not family relations. She was offered the postition because she is a good worker, not someone else's pet, and because those interviewing and hiring were making professional decisions. Think about it, for her to be presented to the board, others had to have recommended her. Thanks to your insinuations, a number of people, not just the board and Gonzalez's daughter are being insulted and considered not professional. This is a special education project that had been under construction and was finalized and approved for the benefit of our district, not to harm it. As for Mrs. Morantes, she is not only a highly qualified School Psychologist who will be an asset to the district, but also will save us money as she is fully, and I repeat, fully bilingual. This means that there will not be a need for translators or additional personnel to assist in the interviews, conversations with parents, or with children, testing, or whatever needs to get done. Also, that she left us and now is returning, is even a bigger asset, as she has been able to train and work with RTI, progress monitoring, PBIS, and other programs that we have to or are trying to implemement, with almost no personnel in our district having the full trainings and knowledge she has.
2. I would love to see less finger pointing, and more interest in giving constructive suggestions as to what the board, administrators and the community in general could to to improve our system, image and overall achievement. It is very difficult to read this blog and understand what is the point of so much gossip, with no real contribution of ideas that will be feasible and efficient for our district.
3. Last I heard, Board Members have accepted the responsibility to do their jobs to the best of their capabilities, without compensation, and with the impression that community members would show support in good decisions, and constructive criticism and guidance with more difficult decisions. I would think it is virtually impossible to work with a throughly positive attitude if blogers, a representation of the feelings of some of the population, keep on adding derrogatory comments without regards to what damage they can do to anyone involved. Re-read what you write and understand how petty and useless most if it is.
3. If there is a surplus in our banks, I for one am very glad it is so. We are dealing with a nutcase when it comes to our governor, not knowing what our budget will look like for the next few years, this places us a step ahead of all districts around us. Not saying that we can just go ahead and spend it freely, but at least it gives the district an advantage for whatever is to come.
continues in next post
4. On this note, we are a diverse district with a very interesting group of residents. Get it, get with the program. Aurora is a wonderful place to live, even more wonderful because of the mix of cultures and races that surround us. Instead of worrying about our kids learning English or not, I would think that by now we would take advantage of our bilingual situation and make sure that ALL our students walk out of this district fully bilingual, prepared to deal with the future with more than one language in their heads. It is a shame that we are the only country that does not embrace learning as many languages as possible. Yes, a great disadvantage when it comes to competing in the World economy and globalization process.
5. Instead of fighting magnet schools, or whatever progressive program is suggested, maybe more time should be spent in figuring our how to get our kids at a level where the magnet system is the norm and not the exception.
6. Every student in our district has the potential to be anything they want to be, doctors, lawyers, athletes, architects, and yes, mechanics and landscapers. This is where the effort should be spent, how are we going to mentor our students into greatness. Do not keep on critizicing, and start contributing. Hey, maybe this blog could come up with a beutiful mentoring program that would involve the community, buisnesses, professionals, and alumni into "adopting" a child/classroom, or whatever and see them through the end. Sort of like a Guardian Angel program.
Hey, not only suggest, but also volunteer for the challengs ahead!
Cooperate, contribute and be constructive. Insults and innuendos are only a labor of hate, not of love, which is what our children and personnel deserve.
Thank you for listening.
And thank YOU, 12:58, for that articulate, insightful comment!
Too bad that many of us are still cynical about certain administrators, who showed themselves to be bullies a few years ago. It's hard to look at something like the Magnet Academy without realizing that Marin Gonzalez desperately wants to improve her image, possibly trying to become the next superintendent. All the positive spin the district "spokesperson" can generate can't erase a reputation for bullying!
Gonzalez has as much chance of Superintendent as Stella Gonzalez can learn to speak English. It is interesting she was behind the Urban League mess. New President same problem Weaver was blamed for.
5. Instead of fighting magnet schools, or whatever progressive program is suggested, maybe more time should be spent in figuring our how to get our kids at a level where the magnet system is the norm and not the exception.
How about showing us the facts as to how this is working. A Magnet System would be good if that is what you where really doing.
How about you guys acting like a board and instead of rubber stamping things check out all the facts. The administration is suppose to come to the board before cutting any programs or making changes not after.
A surplus is good but how did you get there by cutting programs and not getting new text books but you could get administrators IPhones which I believe was done without board approval and yes they should of been approved first. Hopefully you will use some of that money to give a good raise to the teachers.
May of where East Aurora Students and are saddened to see how this district has went downhill.
That new hire you mention might be right for the job and there might have been others to but we won't know the problem is the mother should never second a motion on the hire it is called Ethics and by her doing that it makes things not look right that is why they have made these laws.
Yes, this is a no paying job but you knew it when you ran for the board and with this comes complaints. Why now much worse was said about another board member and family back in March and April.
Yes that is true Roberts covered for Marin by blaming Weaver. Now Johnson had the same problem. So who is at fault. Roberts split the Board with that last year.
Some at the central office are not happy with Johnson. If Johnson would not always vote yes and look more closely at what administration is doing then the Board would run better. Marin is not happy that she will no longer be bully over the Urban League contract. Finally the Board is starting to take back some of their powers. Johnson is starting to sound more like Weaver because they did not give her some report. At least she admitted in public she made a mistake. If you don't always vote yes Johnson you may be more respected. Roberts came off vacation when has that happened,he is on edge with the Board.
This district may not have as much money as some people think. If you look at the Interactive Illinois School Report Card, over 50% of the districts funding comes from General State Aid and "other state aid"
http://iirc.niu.edu/District.aspx?source=Finances&source2=Revenue_Percentages&districtID=31045131022&level=D
Since the State hasn't been making payments, and hasn't said how much they are going to be giving out yet, it's very hard for the Union and the District to decide on money matters when so much of our funding comes from the State of Illinois.
Just something you all should keep in mind.
Saw this on the district website, on the EHS band link:
Mark your Calandars
Marching Band Camp is Coming
SAVE THE DATES. Don't forget that Marching Band Camp starts August 16th and runs the afternoon from 1:00 to 6:00 pm. CAMP IS REQUIRED. It is also our chance to get to know the new freshman and reunite for a grEAt year. Tell everybody in band and see you on the 16th.
~~~~~~~
Why can't somebody PROOFREAD this stuff? I make spelling errors myself at work, but if I don't catch them someone else does BEFORE it's put on display as a representation of my company (in this case, our district). Not only is the word "calendars" misspelled (and in a huge font, yet)--but it also appears that there is only one incoming band member from the class of 2014 (new "freshman"--singular).
You would never see those kinds of errors on the D204 site. But of course their standards are higher.
This district has a 5 million surplus and if you went to the budget meeting last night you would know that. You can look at that website but that is last year information and I believe this money has something to do with the bonds. The State makes sure they pay the General State Aid ,which we get, so we are not hurting like the other districts.
ummm actually, the State hasn't made general state aid payments in months. The West side is owed like $57,000,000 and is considering withholding income tax payments to the state until they get their money...so yeah, being able to figure out money issues between the Union and the District, pretty hard right now...and remember, the bond money is set aside to maintain the district at it's current levels, not new expenditures...
Yet again, amazing. Challenge yourselves to stop the bickering and gossip! If it were productive at all, I would understand, but, if we are trying to teach our children to be creative problem solvers, shouldn't the adults set an example? This blog is very far from being productive if all it does is be cynical about completely riduculous issues, constantly point fingers and badmouth individuals. So, it works out that Marin has goals, so did Obama and see where that has gotten us.
So Mrs. Gonzalez has an accent, so what, at least she has two languages and as far as we can tell is very well educated and does not make grammatical errors in writen language, unlike some of you bloggers. So no new books. What is wrong with that? It is a well known fact that districts overspend in materials, and the only ones benefiting are the book distribution companies. A textbook, old or new is as good as the teacher using it, and the student and family's effort in learning. And when it comes to writing, we have gotten our kids so used to being given everything, that by the time they are in high school, most cannot handwrite quickly, have no idea how to take good notes, have no idea how to research information in the library, and if they make it to college, heaven help them! By the way, this issue is true for all districts, not just ours. has anyone thought how difficult it must be to try to fix issues that have had decades in the making. These people have only had one year, give them a break, start looking at improvement in graduation rates, see how many kids are actually becoming professionals, figure out better choices, in all, be educted adults!
lol, a new freshman.
I think you are over reacting this is a blog and that is what blogs do is express ideas or blow off steam. Yes, maybe everyone doesn't spell right and use proper grammar but this isn't a term paper.
What is wrong with not getting new books well for one thing things change in ten years there are new things that have come about that a teacher might know but it is hard when the student doesn't have something to reference it with. Then the teacher might have to make copies of things that they are teaching and that cost money and is wasteful. You might ask why get all this new technology when teachers and students haven't learned all of them and might not have those resources at home to help learn.
Yes, all district have issues of one kind or another and citizens complain that is their right to do so.
I did not hear you complain when bad things where being said about Rayanne and Weaver so why bring it up now much worse things where said about them and family members so I have to believe you are a board member that something recently been posted so it is time you got a thick skin and let it ride.
Gonzales does speak 2 languages, but it is truly hard to understand her when she is speaking at the meetings, even worse when she is speaking with her mouth full. This does happen at times. I agree that people need to proof read. Please preview before posting as some of the posting are really hard to decifer.
Morantes' salary in the board personnel report reflects her salary, not what a full time position would pay! And, why is D131 not as up to date with RTI as other districts? We shouldn't have to rely on people coming in to 'teach' us, when we've had three years to prepare.
All gonzales talks about at the meetings are her vacations, so do we really need to be able to understand her?
Gonzalez is a teacher that has worked for many years. She should speak better English by now. I would not want her teaching my children. I do think Trusa, Gonzalez, Wells and Hull who had missed more meeting meetings than he has been on the Board should take the Board more serious. When at a Board meeting you should talk about Board business not where you have gone on vacation. Lewis, Johnson and Weaver are always well prepared even if you don't agree with them.
Lewis works hard to keep up with all the committee work because she sits on a committee with these three and they never pay attention.
I do believe Weaver is the best member because she holds the administrators accountable. She is 100% correct about books when the District has a surplus of 5 million.
Johnson could be a good Board President if she could shake Roberts. I see her trying to make the District more accountable and she is correct the computers never run. In fact our server was down today again. If she ever gets that list of equipment by building she will become very upset. It will show how bad our kids education really is and not every child is treated equally. I also believe she is the kids but she allows her friendship to get in the way with Roberts.
What is RTI? This district is not up to date on a lot of things.
Weaver, Lewis, Johnson and Rayanne ,when she was on the board, I do believe have the best interest of the students and to make people accountable to the taxpayers. In saying that I think some have been drifted away from some of the things the people want and their responsibilities of a board member. Their is still Micro Managing of the Superintendent and Administration.
They should not be doing their jobs but make them accountable for what they should be doing. The Superintendent and his Administration should be giving the Board reports of all programs to let the Board members know how they are working.
You are correct Johnson is certainly very articulate. She is also very close with Roberts. I believe she can not separate herself from him. For her that would be really admitting a big mistake. After-all she did get him his 5 year contract and not require him to live in the District. She also got him additional pension benefits and a 4% raise. She also knew he was going blind. I do believe she did not listen to other Board members when they told her do not rush his contract. I wonder if she would push him that way now. I also believe they have mutual respect for one another. He has been more active for her but many believe its just not in him to be superintendent.
Are you saying that this district does not have list of the equipment in their schools? If not why is that? How can someone ask someone for more money when they don't know what they have? In any business practice you have an asset list of all equipment and personal property you own that is business 101. How can the financial person that does the reports deprecate items? Do the schools not do an inventory of items in their buildings to know what they have or if something has been taken?
Gonzales, when she is at the meetings does give the report on her commitee since she is chair(when she attends the commitee meetings), I for once, would like to understand alittle of what is being said and to understand it when the report on the curriculum minutes are read.
Anyone who would have attended the last board meeting would indeed know that there is not a list of equipment of all the schools. I also find it quite amusing that a person was made vice principal who put down a couple of the board members a few times at the board meetings last year. Anyone who attends the meetings knew what this person was up to. there is a word for this type of person and she does a good job of it when it comes to the superintendant. His eyes were on her at the last meeting. Watch out Johnson.
Yes Roberts did have his two girlfriends at the meeting last nite. The one siting next to him and the one who did his bidding by speaking against the board. Some of us did not miss the fact that he can off his vacation for that. At least Johnson got Roberts rent covered for the next year by passing the Urban League. After that her and Roberts only had eyes for each-other
Saw this on another blog:
Indian Prairie School District 204 Moves to Phase Out Class Ranking System
As the education model changes in the United States, many school districts are eliminating class ranking systems, including Indian Prairie School District 204 in Aurora and Naperville. Awards for valedictorian and salutorians also may be eliminated.
Class rankings, which have become less important for college admissions, often create a competitive situation between students, but don't necessarily reflect success in the long-term.
District 204 is considering whether to eliminate the system immediately or with a gradual phase-out.
With education shifting from priorities of knowing more than another person instead to a collaborative method of knowledge, we strongly urge all school districts to take similar steps.
It's knowledge and ability that count, not rankings or who you are.
And this response:
Anonymous said...
"Class rankings, which have become less important for college admissions, often create a competitive situation between students"--that's a GOOD thing!
I'm the parent of a WVHS graduate who was ranked #14 in his class. I can tell you that his class rank definitely played a role in his college acceptance, as well as providing motivation for him to succeed academically when many of his classmates were doing just enough to get by.
High school athletes are ranked--why not high school scholars? What's next: getting rid of first, second, and third place at swim meets and Olympic trials?
Our kids need and deserve the motivation that the class ranking system provides. Eliminating this opportunity for student achievement would be a BIG disservice to them, and to our community!
I did not participate in the Rayane and Weaver battle, or whatever it was because I just found out about this blog. Sorry to have missed it, but if it was anything like this one, maybe not so sorry at all! About blowing steam, well, get over it and then start contributing. It sounds more like you are all holding personal grudges, are jelous, or plain useless when it comes to being productive. Cricism is good, but if it is all you do, then shut up. Have you ever heard of the idea that if you don't have anything good to say, then don't.
Finally, vent, but make sure you vent out with the correct facts. Gossip is always harmful, particularly so if it includes lies and heresays.
Why is it when you click on the Board of Education on the district website it goes to the old picture of the board with the last officers?
If this comment is petty or you think I'm jealous sorry but it is a fact they don't keep up with some of the stuff on the board.
If you think I believe you just found out about this blog I have some land in Florida you might want to buy.
OK, so if you are that cynical, even to the point of not believing how new this is to me, then, you are really a lost case, why in the world would I lie about it?! Believe me, you just confirmed how completely clueless some people can be. Oh, and yes, you just lost a viewer, bloger, or whatever I am supposed to be Ta, Ta, to think I was going to tell some of my co-workers to join in, ha, your loss :)
Don't let the door hit you on the butt on your way out.
Your loss, not ours.
The Board should police themselves and yes many Board members of the past did have relatives working in the District. However this Board was going to be so transparent. Central office gossip is that the blog saved the District $20,000 after Weaver, Lewis and Johnson complained and our new Asst Superintendent Joany as Roberts calls her had to move her salary to a true .6. Now Morantes daughter of no speak a the English Gonzalez is only making $32,000 from the $54,400. Of course in typical central office fashion Val no longer here did.
So you say we are being mean to Board members and cynical. Well the blog just saved enough money for Joany.
By the way Johnson when your away Joany plays. She now reports to your boy.
To clarify, the .6 (at 1.0 salary)job given to SG's daughter was not cooked up by VG, but by MG. This was done under the radar and not known by thoe other board members. Thankfully, when they did find out, they corrected the situation.
I think Johnson, Weaver and Lewis are all good board members. Lewis works hard at the committee meetings and Weaver really tries to keep the administrators accountable. Johnson has the superintendant under her thumb and has shown she can push back on the admins. I believe those three are motivated by wanting to improve the district. That's a big mountain to climb, but at least they are making a valid attempt.
Hey, you know what I noticed, that about 100 teachers have "web sites" and only the band one is kept up with actual up-to-date information.
Administrator Salary Compensation Report
Please be advised that P.A. 96-0434 became law August 13, 2009. This law requires school districts to publicly disclose compensation information for all school administrators by October 1 each year. The Act also requires that the report be presented at a regular board meeting and that we submit the report to the Regional Superintendent’s office.
Hey, the Pottymouth Pig stopped by at 11:12 and 11:22 a.m.
"Sooooo-EA"!
12:44, how many of those 100 or so teachers have school activities during the summer? The band does; so it makes sense that the website is updated (although it should also be proofread--perhaps by administration, if the band director is understandably too busy).
And the EHS band website has always been kept up-to-date, for at least the past TEN years. The previous director included a history of the leadership of the EHS band, back from the beginning of the 20th century.
Oh ok, that's why when you look at some of them they have dates from 2009, because they don't have summer activities. And when you look at others, it's like they have not even been touched.
You say this board is more transparent then the other ones then why don't they follow the law?
P.A. 96-0434
P.A. 96-0434 or Sec. 10-20.46 - Salary compensation report: On or before October 1 of each year, each school district in this State, including special charter districts, shall post on its Internet website, if any, an itemized salary compensation report for every employee in the district holding an administrative certificate and working in that capacity, including the district superintendent. The salary compensation report shall include without limitation base salary, bonuses, pension contributions, retirement increases, the cost of health insurance, the cost of life insurance, paid sick and vacation day payouts, annuities, and any other form of compensation or income paid on behalf of the employee. This report shall be presented at a regular school board meeting, subject to applicable notice requirements. In addition, each school district shall submit the completed report to the office of the district's regional superintendent of schools, which shall make copies available to any individual requesting them.
Administrative Salary Compensation Report
Last Updated: 10/01/2009
This board still has a long way to go.
3:46, I agree that many teachers' web sites should be updated. Why don't you mention it at a school board meeting?
No, doesn't this blog solve all the problems. I thought posting here took care of everything.
So if this board is so transparent why don't they let the public know what they pay the employees of the district? Not only is it becoming state law to be more transparent it is the right thing to do. If the district feels they are paying a fair wage then there should be no problem.
Be careful what you you wish for it might come true.
If Morantes is such a great child psychologist then why three jobs in three years first Plano, then Oswego, then Kendall County Coop. The last job only lasted four months. Now we are have her. Why? because her mother is on the Board. That is not choosing the best for the job and Joany gal pal of Jerome's and new Asst Super. pushed it right through. That is until the blog got busy saving the District $22,000. Funny they then gave Joany the same increase. I do feel Lewis and Weaver try to do the right thing. Johnson only cares about her image so when this one got hot Johnson hurried up and put her foot down. Johnson will do that when enough heat is applied. Roberts and her are close so he will run around and try to please her
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